Wilmington Sharks

Lore & Background

The Wilmington Sharks were established as a charter member of the Coastal Plain League for its inaugural 1998 season. The team quickly found success, winning CPL championships in 1998 and 1999, before the Petitt Cup trophy was introduced in 2000. Over the years, the Sharks have been owned by multiple entities: Peter B. Freund of Trinity Sports Group purchased the team in 2013 and resold it in 2014 to Smith Family Baseball Wilmington, LLC. National Sports Service acquired the team in 2017, and Washington, DC-area entrepreneur Thad Parsons purchased the Sharks in early 2025. The Sharks' mascot, Sharky, is an anthropomorphic gray shark.

On the field, the Sharks have experienced notable highs and lows. After missing the playoffs in 2022, they rebounded in 2023 to win the East Division championship but lost the Petitt Cup Championship to the Lexington Blowfish. In 2024, the Sharks finished with a 30–19 record, swept the Peninsula Pilots to win the East Division title, and swept the Lexington County Blowfish to claim their first Petitt Cup championship. The pitching staff posted a 1.50 ERA in the playoffs. The team did not play the 2020 season after the CPL canceled the entire season due to COVID-19.

Key personnel include manager Russ Burroughs, the all-time winningest coach in Sharks history, who led the team to the 2024 championship. Brett Bloomquist, a former Sharks pitcher (2008), became general manager in 2024. The Sharks have produced numerous MLB alumni, including Alec Bohm, Ryan Jeffers, and Emilio Pagan. The team's uniforms feature white, navy blue, and light blue, with two cap designs.

Reader's Guide

The Wilmington Sharks hold significance as a long-standing member of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer baseball league that develops players for professional careers. The team's history of over 15 MLB alumni, including All-Star Alec Bohm, underscores its role in player development. The Sharks' 2024 Petitt Cup championship marked a milestone as their first title in the Petitt Cup era, following earlier championships in 1998 and 1999. The team's consistent attendance—averaging 1,500 in 2022 and 2023, and 1,200 in 2021—reflects strong community support. The Sharks were named 2019 Coastal Plain League Organization of the Year. Manager Russ Burroughs, who has coached over 40 players to professional contracts, has been central to the team's success. The Sharks' legacy includes resilience, such as opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 and returning to win a championship four years later. Their home field, 'The Shark Tank,' is noted for its unique atmosphere.

Did You Know?

• The team's mascot, Sharky, is an anthropomorphic gray shark.
• Manager Russ Burroughs is the all-time winningest coach in Sharks history and has a .700 win percentage in the playoffs.